The information below is for staff and clients who are interested in finding out more about the Transitional Spaces Project. Whilst not exhaustive, the FAQs have emerged from TSP presentations delivered to a range of audiences including homeless organisations, hostel and resettlement teams, meaningful occupation workers and pre-employment and training providers.

Click on a question to view the full answer.

1. Who can apply to TSP?
2. My client doesn't live in a hostel. Can they still apply?
3. What is meant by Low Support Needs?
4. How are referrals to TSP assessed as suitable?
5. When on the project what type of support will TSP clients receive?
6. How long will it take to complete TSP?
7. Will TSP have direct links to employers who are willing to employ TSP clients?
8. What about the financial support package?
9. Will clients joining TSP need to cancel their previous applications to local authority and RSL housing providers?
10. What are the benefits for clients joining the TSP?
11. Is TSP a rent deposit scheme?
12. What would happen to a TSP client who experiences a personal crisis, and is no longer able to cope with working or managing their flat?
13. What is the application process?

1. Who can apply to TSP?

Homeless men and women who are:

• Living in a hostel or temporary supported accommodation
• Eligible to work and live in the UK
• Aged over 17
• Single
• With the support of the TSP Coach, willing and able to find full time employment
• With the support and help of the TSP coach, willing and able to live independently in private rented sector accommodation.

2. My client doesn't live in a hostel. Can they still apply?

TSP is funded to provide a support package to individuals living in hostels and temporary supported accommodation.

This means that the following groups are not eligible:

• People who are NFA
• Rough sleepers
• Sofa surfers
• People Local Authority accommodated in B&Bs

3. What is meant by Low Support Needs?

The focus on employment readiness and the opportunities for accelerated resettlement in the private rented sector makes TSP an unsuitable option for clients who have complex support needs and associated challenging behaviour such as those associated with mental ill health, and alcohol or drug dependency.

4. How are referrals to TSP assessed as suitable?

Referrals to TSP are assessed as suitable using a number of criteria and the project aims to be as inclusive as possible. The emphasis on employment and accelerated resettlement requires all applicants to be personally motivated to take part in activities that promote personal development and employability. The following are examples of TSP readiness:

• The applicant is already working part-time or full-time
• The applicant has started progressing towards work readiness by being involved in pre-employment or training initiatives
• The applicant is involved in structured voluntary work or meaningful occupation programmes on a regular basis
• The applicant is positive about managing independent living

5. When on the project what type of support will TSP clients receive?

Each TSP client will be allocated a dedicated TSP coach who will work with clients to help prepare and equip them with skills and information so they can successfully engage in paid employment and live independently in the private rented sector. Examples of such areas of support include:

• A programme of financial inclusion - including setting up a bank account, savings accounts, debt management and advice. This area of work is also supported by SAFE at Toynbee Hall and Capitalise
• Support around getting "job ready" including employment coaching, sourcing references, goal setting and action planning, preparation for job applications, interviews and support during the transition of settling into new work environments
• Access to accurate "in work" and “out of work” benefit calculations
• Access to a professional property brokerage service which sources suitable private rented accommodation
• Pre and post tenancy and employment support (up to 12 months) provided in partnership with the property brokerage partners Broadway and Threshold.
• The coaches will also oversee a package of financial support of up to £1,800 to help progress each TSP client through the programme

6. How long will it take to complete TSP?

TSP clients will be at different stages of readiness to access employment and private rented accommodation. Accordingly, clients can complete TSP at differing timescales ranging from 6 to 18 months.

7. Will TSP have direct links to employers who are willing to employ TSP clients?

No. Each TSP client will be supported in their job search using a variety of methods. TSP has strong links with Jobcentre Plus as well as recruitment agencies.

8. What about the financial support package?

A unique element of TSP is the financial support package, paid at certain stages along the client’s time on the project. The financial support is in the form of grants, paid directly into the client’s bank account. TSP does not expect the client to pay this money back, but will expect them to spend it responsibly. Each payment is provided at the start of a ‘transitional’ stage of change in the client’s life. These stages are: opening a bank account (£50), starting a job (£250), finding a property (£1,000) and graduation (£500). These payments are “disregarded” and do not negatively impact on an individual’s benefit entitlement.

9. Will clients joining TSP need to cancel their previous applications to local authority and RSL housing providers?

Joining TSP does not exclude clients from also applying for social housing. However, this is a difficult and complex area, which TSP are currently researching. Policies differ depending on the borough in which TSP clients are living, and the borough in which they want to move to. Prospective clients should seek guidance from their TSP coach and their resettlement worker.

10. What are the benefits for clients joining the TSP?

TSP maximises move on options for clients and reduces high levels of worklessness amongst hostel residents with low support needs. The benefits for clients joining TSP is that it will help them to move on out of the hostel environment quicker, rather than waiting for a local authority option. Clients joining TSP will also benefit by building up work experience that will lead to increased financial independence and well-being.

There are also anticipated benefits in entering the private rented sector. Please see our guide entitled ‘The Private Rented Sector – A Guide’ (673 Kb) for further information about living in the private rented sector, and what it could mean for you.

11. Is TSP a rent deposit scheme?

No. TSP equips clients with the funds to pay their own deposits, through the financial support package (see question 8). Clients are not expected to pay this money back, and the cash deposit they pay is for them to take forward into their next property, promoting mobility and financial independence.

12. What would happen to a TSP client who experiences a personal crisis, and is no longer able to cope with working or managing their flat?

Should a TSP client experience an unexpected crisis they will be encouraged to keep in touch with their coach and the property brokerage service provided by Broadway and Threshold. The teams will work together to identify the local resources and services options available to help the client resolve their presenting crisis.

13. What is the application process?

The TSP team ask that referring workers and clients complete an application form (234 Kb). Referrals that meet the eligibility criteria will be contacted by the TSP team and invited for interview. The TSP team will contact the referring worker and client within 10 days to let them know the outcome of the interview.